The Wizard Project

The Wizard project is a result of my long-term work in construction of large gliders. It was thought of as an instrument for flight research, focusing on induced drag and assisting my work in finding solutions to improving flight performance on the large gliders. Small gliders are much more sensitive to anything interfering while flying which made them perfect for research purposes.

As a long-term pilot of 4.0m wingspan F5J and F3J models, I was surprised how much harder flying 1,5m wingspan models was. My first expression was that at attempts for tide turns the model would stall much sooner than expected.

I spent long hours at the airport doing hands-on aerodynamic analysis to find the causes leading to the stalls.

My research suggested that the main cause for the stalls are the vortex at the ends of the ailerons.

After testing different types of constructions, I developed the triangular end of the ailerons. It reduces the harmful influence of whirlwinds at acceptable technological complexity.

My research led to the creation of the F3K Wizard. Its flight properties are like the ones of larger gliders without unexpected stalls, with improved control and improved efficiency. The body shape is based on my many years of research into aerodynamics on larger gliders.

Curiosity leads to the continuous search for improvement. And this is one infinite magical process.

Stoycho Nikolaev, Ston Models Ltd